Chicago Craft Beer Festival, Chicago

During the early years of the 20th century, the area just west of McCormick Place rumbled with the sounds of of the century's most iconic machinery: the automobile. The innumerable showrooms, dealerships, and mechanic's shops earned the area its nickname: Motor Row. In the 21st century, the auto industry works elsewhere, but a new one has moved in: craft brewing. On Labor Day Weekend, the Motor Row Craft Beer & Wine Festival celebrates the neighborhood's newest job creators with two days of brews, vinos, and partying. Guests of honor including Near South Side neighbors such as Motor Row Brewing and Around the Bend Beer Co. will dole out samples with other Chicago and regional beermakers; all told, the event features more than 50 individual beers and wines. Like any good Chicago street festival, the fest will also host plenty of food vendors, artists, and live entertainment.